Air conditioner diffuser

ABSTRACT

An air conditioner diffuser having a plurality of telescopic tiers or sleeves with apertures surrounding the peripheries thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough. The sleeves not only are capable of being moved in a vertical direction but are provided with means for movement in any horizontal direction so as to adjustably control the volume and flow of conditioned air therethrough in any desired direction.

United States Patent [1 1 l 3,717,081 Jakimas Feb. 20, 1973 [54] AIR CONDITIONER DIFFUSER Primary Examiner-William E. Wayner Attorney-John J. Lipari [57] ABSTRACT direction so as to adjustably control the volume and flow of conditioned air therethrough in any desired direction.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures [76] Inventor: John A. Jakimas, 82 Joseph St.,

Newark, NJ.

[22] Filed: Sept. 9, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 179,017

[52] US. Cl. ..98/40 B [51] Int. Cl. ..F24t 13/06 [58] Field of Search ..99/40 R, 40 B, 40 D [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,901,958 9/1959 Carnes ..98l40 B "Kwxwx f PATENTEnrmzoms v sum 2 nr 2 I lillllll l 1 AIR CONDITIONER DIFFUSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to diffusers and, in particular, to an air conditioning diffuser for controlling the volume and flow of conditioned air in any desired direction.

In the selection of a diffuser for a given location, consideration must be given to both the air flow pattern most desirable for that location and the ornamental appearance. It is known that one prior art type of diffuser is utilized for a location near the mid-point of a ceiling, while other types are required for a location near the corner portions and side walls of a room. Also, in other prior art diffusers, the flow of air is linearly outward from the diffusers and, accordingly, the air drops downwardly causing drafts and inefficient cooling. Further, numerous prior art diffusers require dampers which usually are inaccessible and add to the cost of air conditioning installation.

Attempts have been made to construct universal type diffusers which not only can be located at the mid-point of a room but also near the corner portions. For example, in US. Pat. No. 2,901,958, there is disclosed a diffuser which is provided with a number of shells capable of being moved only in a horizontal manner. Further, the diffuser is not capable of being fully closed, when desired, to prevent conditioned air from passing therethrough. Still, further, inconvenient and annoying inaccessible baffle type adapters are required to be adjusted each time it is desired to change the volume of air flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention, therefore, to obviate the abovementioned deficiencies and costs of the prior art, and to provide an air conditioner diffuser of low cost which, with finger-tip control, is capable of adjusting the volume and flow of conditioned air in any direction.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a diffuser which can be installed in any portion of a room, whereby efficient and multi-directional, elliptical air flows are easily and quickly obtained.

Broadly, the diffuser includes an outer stationary supporting element having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with an air conditioning duct. A first sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the central opening of the stationary supporting element is provided, the sleeve being telescopically movable within the central opening of the stationary supporting element and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct. A first rim member is connected to and near one end of the first sleeve and projects outwardly therefrom and extends about the outer periphery thereof. A second sleeve is provided with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first sleeve and is located within said first sleeve, the second sleeve havingat least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct. A second rim member is connected to and near one end of the second sleeve and projects outwardly therefrom and beyond the outer periphery of the first rim member, whereupon said second rim member overlays the first rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the first sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the first sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other objects and a fuller understanding of the application can be had by referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. I is an exploded view of the diffuser;

FIG. 2 is a view of the diffuser with the tiers in the full open position;

FIG. 3 is a view of the diffuser with the tiers in the full closed position;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the diffuser in the open position with the tiers moved towards a corner position; and

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, the novel diffuser is provided with a plurality of telescopic tiers, generally referred to as 10, 20 and 40. Tier 10 is an outer stationary supporting element and includes a sleeve 11 having located on its periphery a plurality of spaced apart projecting nibs 12-12, preferably forming elongated right angular surfaces, with a smooth surface area therebetween. As seen in FIG. 2, a tapered outer ring 14 having an inner periphery 14a is connected to the said ring covering irregularly cut holes (not shown) in a ceiling l5 whereat the end of an air conditioning duct 16 is located, the air conditioning duct having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of sleeve 11 for receiving same therein. It will become apparent that the diffuser is affixed to the air conditioning duct 16 by inserting sleeve 11 into the duct,- the projecting nibs 12-12 initially passing through and along a smooth surface area of the duct, whereupon the sleeve is then partially rotated to cause its projecting nibs 12-12 to seat with complementary projecting nibs 1211- of the duct so as to prevent any forward movement of the sleeve towards the front end of the duct, yet permit a rearward movement, if desired. Recessed openings 17-17 are provided in ring 14 for receiving fastening means, such as screws 18-18, for securing the ring and, in turn, the diffuser to the ceiling.

While right angular projecting nibs 12-12 have been disclosed, and other similar projectingnibs for tiers 20 and 40 will also be disclosed hereinafter, it is understood that conventional male and female beads or ridges and various mating angularly shaped recessed slots, etc., also can be employed.

The second tier 20 includes a first sleeve 21 having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of sleeve 1 l and having located on its periphery a plurality of spaced apart projecting nibs 22-22, preferably forming right angular surfaces, with a smooth surface area 23 therebetween. As sleeve 21 is passed into sleeve 11, its nibs 22-22 initially pass through and along the smooth surface area 13 of sleeve 11 and beyond nibs 12-12, whereupon sleeve 21 is then partially rotated to cause its nibs 22-22 to mate with nibs 12-12 of sleeve 11. In such partially rotated position, it should be noted that sleeve 21 is prevented from moving in a forward position to permit air to pass. therethrough. However, sleeve 21 is free to be moved rearwardly to variably limit the amount of air passing therethrough, to be described in detail hereinafter.

A plurality of peripherally spaced apart apertures 24-24 are formed near the front end 27 of sleeve 21 I by longitudinally extending strips 25-25, each strip having a plurality of notches 26-26 therein; An annularly shaped rim 27 is pinched or connected to the peripheral edge of the front end of sleeve 21. An annular member 28 having a diameter larger than the diameter of rim 27 is adjacently disposed to one side of rim 27 said annular member having a centrally located opening 29 of a diameter sufficiently large to permit relative movement between the rim and member, as described hereinafter, the outer periphery 30 of the annular member being flanged downwardly approximately 90 for permitting a flush contact with the outer periphery of the rim upon contact therewith.

A slightly tapered outer ring 31 is adjacently disposed to the other side of rim 27, the outer periphery 32 of said ring overlapping and grasping the outer periphery 30 of member 28. The inner periphery 33 of outer ring 31 is crimped to the periphery of the front end of a sleeve 34 which is of such a configuration and size that it is capable of extending within sleeve 21. It will become apparent from the aforesaid structure that outer ring 31 will be capable of moving in any lateral direction with respect to rim 27 and, simultaneously, will move sleeve 34 laterally within sleeve 21. Sleeve 34 also is similarly provided with a plurality of spaced apart projecting nibs 35-35 for receiving still another sleeve 41 to be described hereinafter. A plurality of apertures 36-36 of a similar configuration to apertures 24-24, are located near the front end of sleeve 34 and will permit an additional throw of air in any desired direction, e.g., towards the windows in a room, when the third tier 40, to be described, is in a fully closed position with the outer ring 31 of the second tier.

The third tier 40 includes a sleeve 41 having a diameter slightly smaller than sleeve 34 for insertion therein. The periphery of sleeve 41 is provided with a plurality of spaced apart projecting nibs 42-42 of a similar configuration to nibs 12-12, 22-22 and 35-35. Thus, it will become apparent that when sleeve 41 is inserted into sleeve 34 and then partially rotated, its nibs 42- 42 will seat or mate with nibs 35-35 and thereby prevent forward movement, yet permit rearward movement, of sleeve 41 within sleeve 34.

Sleeve 41 is similar in construction to sleeve 21 and is provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart apertures 43-43 which are formed near the front end of the sleeve by longitudinally extending strips 44-44, each strip having a plurality of notches 46-46 therein. An annularly shaped rim 47 is pinched or connectedat 47a to the peripheral edge of the front end of sleeve 41. An annular member 48 having a diameter largerthan the diameter of rim 47 is adjacently disposed to.one side of rim 47, said annular member having a centrally located opening 49 of a diameter sufficiently large to permit relative movement between the rim and member, as described hereinafter, the outer periphery 50 of the annular member being flanged downwardly approximately for permitting a flush contact with the outer periphery of the rim upon contact therewith.

A slightly tapered outer ring 51 is adjacently disposed to the other side of rim 47, the outer periphery 52 of said ring overlapping and grasping the outer periphery 50 of member 48. A knob 53 is centrally located to and connected with the outer ring 51 by fastening means such as a screw 55 which is fastened to the base 56 of an arcuately shaped member 57 projecting within sleeve 41, said arcuately shaped member having a curvature similar to the arc of the inner periphery of said sleeve. Member 57 is of such a configuration that it is capable of blocking as many apertures 43-43, as desired, preferably 60 to percent of said apertures, when ring 51 is moved laterally in any desired direction so as to contact and shield said apertures. It should be noted that when the arcuately shaped blocking member 57 is in this position, maximum throw and C.F.M. (cubic feet per minute) results.

In operation, the diffuser can be installed on any portion of a ceiling and the maximum volume of air, measured in cubic feet per minute (C.F.M.), can be thrown merely by setting the relative position of sleeves 21, 34 and 41, and arcuate member 57. For example, in the event the difi'user is located at the mid-point of a ceiling, as seen in FIG. 2, a maximum volume of air can be thrown by (a) fully extending sleeves 21 and 41 downwardly until their respective uppermost notches 26 and 46 engage their respective contacting inner peripheries 14a and 33, (b) positioning said sleeves along a common central axis with the central axis of the air conditioning duct, and (c) locating arcuate member 57 in concentric relationship with said sleeves. In this manner the air will flow through the sleeves and radially outwardly 360 through all the apertures 24-24, 36-36 and 43-43.

In the event it is desired to reduce the C.F.M. air flow, each or both of tiers 20 and 40 can be pushed upwardly and retracted into their respective tiers 10 and 20. It should be noted that tiers 20 and 40 may be retracted any desired distance, since the notches 26- 26 and 46-46 are provided on each of their respective sleeves for providing a temporary locking of said sleeves with ring inner peripheries 14a and 33.

It will become apparent, as seen in FIG. 3, that once sleeves 20 and 41 are fully pushed into their retracted positions, ring 31 will engage ring 14, and ring 51 will engage ring 14, thereby causing the diffuser to be in a closed position to preclude any air from passing through the apertures. Optionally, annular gasket rings (not shown) can be located on rings 14 and 31 to insure an airtight seal between the rings when they are in the closed position.

In the event the diffuser is located near any corner portion of the ceiling, a full air throw can be quickly obtained merely by grasping knob 53 and pushing it towards. said comer portion. As a result, arcuately shaped member 57 will contact the inner peripheral surface of sleeve 41 which is nearest said comer portion and, in response to further movement of the knob, the. outer peripheral surface of sleeve 41 will contact the inner-peripheral surface of sleeve 34 and move it against the inner peripheral surface of sleeve 21, all of said contacting peripheral surfaces being those located nearest the corner portion. As a result of the aforesaid movement, arcuate member 57 blocks apertures 43- 43 located nearest the corner portion and the outer peripheral surface of sleeve 41 blocks apertures 36- 36 and 24-24 located nearest the corner portion, thereby resulting in the air flowing through duct 16 to pass only through the unblocked apertures having free access to all directions in the room to be cooled. In this manner, a multiple flow of elliptical air patterns in all directions is obtained, and optimum throw and maximum C.F.M. is procured. Of course, in the event it is desired to reduce or limit the air flow, sleeves 21 and 41 can be retracted as hereinbefore described.

It should be understood that while one embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, numerous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, while annularly shaped rims 27 and 47 have been disclosed as being pinched or crimped to their respective sleeves, adhering means such as adhesives, solder, etc., could be utilized or, in fact, each sleeve and annularly shaped member could be of a unitary structure.

lclaim:

l. A diffuser for the distribution of air which comprises:

an outer stationary supporting element having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with an air conditioning duct;

means for connecting said stationary supporting element to the air conditioning duct;

a first sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve being telescopically movable within the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct,

a first rim member connected to and near one end of said first sleeve, said first rim member projecting outwardly from said first sleeve and extending about the outer periphery thereof;

a second sleeve having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first sleeve, said second sleeve being located within the first sleeve and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, and

a second rim member connected to and near one end of said second sleeve, said second rim member projecting outwardly from said second sleeve and beyond the outer periphery of the first rim member, whereupon said second rim member overlaps the first rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the first sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the first sleeve.

2. A diffuser, according to claim 1, which further includes:

a third sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the opening of the second sleeve, said third sleeve being telescopically movable within said second sleeve opening and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, a third rim member connected to and near one end of said third sleeve, said third rim member projecting outwardly from said third sleeve and extending about the outer periphery thereof; and fourth member located beneath the third sleeve and projecting outwardly from the central axis thereof and beyond the outer periphery of the third rim member, whereupon said fourth member overlaps the third rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the third sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the third sleeve.

3. A difiuser, according to claim 2, which further includes:

an arcuately shaped member located within the third sleeve and connected to the fourth member, said arcuately shaped member being of a height sufficiently greater than the third sleeve aperture and capable of being moved in any horizontal position in response to movement of said fourth member to block a portion of said third sleeve aperture.

4. A difi'user, according to claim 3, which further includes:

means for adjustably moving said third sleeve vertically within the second sleeve for controlling the passage of air through said third sleeve aperture, continued vertical movement of the third sleeve resulting in contact of the fourth member with the second rim member which, in turn, vertically moves the first and second sleeves within the outer stationary supporting element for controlling the passage of air through the first and second sleeve apertures.

5. A diffuser, according to claim 4, wherein said adjustable moving means is provided for moving said fourth member in any desired horizontal direction which, in turn, causes said arcuately shaped member to block a portion of said third sleeve aperture, further continued movement of said moving means causing the third sleeve to move the second and first sleeves horizontally so as to cause a portion of the second and third sleeve apertures to be blocked by said arcuate member.

6. A diffuser, according'to claim 5, wherein the first, second and third sleeves, and first, second, third and fourth members are of annular configuration.

7. A diffuser, according to claim 5, wherein the second rim member is comprised of:

an annular member extending over and beyond said first rim member, the outer periphery of said annular member projecting downwardly to form a blocking surface for the outer periphery of the first rim member, and

an outer ring located beneath the first rim member and openings of the first and second sleeves, said outer ring extending beyond the outer periphery of said annular member, whereupon said outer ring tapers upwardly and overlaps said outer periphery of the annular member for securing the outer ring thereto.

8. A diffuser, according to claim 7, wherein the fourth member is comprised of:

an annular member extending over and beyond said thirdrim member, the outer periphery of said annular member projecting downwardly 90 to form a blocking surface for the outer periphery of the third rim member, and

an outer ring located beneath the third rim member and opening of the third sleeve, said outer ring extending beyond the outer periphery of said annular member, whereupon said outer ring tapers up- 

1. A diffuser for the distribution of air which comprises: an outer stationary supporting element having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with an air conditioning duct; means for connecting said stationary supporting element to the air conditioning duct; a first sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve being telescopically movable within the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, a first rim member connected to and near one eNd of said first sleeve, said first rim member projecting outwardly from said first sleeve and extending about the outer periphery thereof; a second sleeve having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first sleeve, said second sleeve being located within the first sleeve and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, and a second rim member connected to and near one end of said second sleeve, said second rim member projecting outwardly from said second sleeve and beyond the outer periphery of the first rim member, whereupon said second rim member overlaps the first rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the first sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the first sleeve.
 1. A diffuser for the distribution of air which comprises: an outer stationary supporting element having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with an air conditioning duct; means for connecting said stationary supporting element to the air conditioning duct; a first sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve being telescopically movable within the central opening of the stationary supporting element, said first sleeve having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, a first rim member connected to and near one eNd of said first sleeve, said first rim member projecting outwardly from said first sleeve and extending about the outer periphery thereof; a second sleeve having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first sleeve, said second sleeve being located within the first sleeve and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, and a second rim member connected to and near one end of said second sleeve, said second rim member projecting outwardly from said second sleeve and beyond the outer periphery of the first rim member, whereupon said second rim member overlaps the first rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the first sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the first sleeve.
 2. A diffuser, according to claim 1, which further includes: a third sleeve having a central opening defining an air passage for communicating with the opening of the second sleeve, said third sleeve being telescopically movable within said second sleeve opening and having at least one aperture extending about the periphery thereof for permitting the passage of conditioned air therethrough flowing from the duct, a third rim member connected to and near one end of said third sleeve, said third rim member projecting outwardly from said third sleeve and extending about the outer periphery thereof; and a fourth member located beneath the third sleeve and projecting outwardly from the central axis thereof and beyond the outer periphery of the third rim member, whereupon said fourth member overlaps the third rim member and extends inwardly thereover a sufficient distance to permit relative horizontal movement with the third sleeve in any direction, and to permit vertical movement with the third sleeve.
 3. A diffuser, according to claim 2, which further includes: an arcuately shaped member located within the third sleeve and connected to the fourth member, said arcuately shaped member being of a height sufficiently greater than the third sleeve aperture and capable of being moved in any horizontal position in response to movement of said fourth member to block a portion of said third sleeve aperture.
 4. A diffuser, according to claim 3, which further includes: means for adjustably moving said third sleeve vertically within the second sleeve for controlling the passage of air through said third sleeve aperture, continued vertical movement of the third sleeve resulting in contact of the fourth member with the second rim member which, in turn, vertically moves the first and second sleeves within the outer stationary supporting element for controlling the passage of air through the first and second sleeve apertures.
 5. A diffuser, according to claim 4, wherein said adjustable moving means is provided for moving said fourth member in any desired horizontal direction which, in turn, causes said arcuately shaped member to block a portion of said third sleeve aperture, further continued movement of said moving means causing the third sleeve to move the second and first sleeves horizontally so as to cause a portion of the second and third sleeve apertures to be blocked by said arcuate member.
 6. A diffuser, according to claim 5, wherein the first, second and third sleeves, and first, second, third and fourth members are of annular configuration.
 7. A diffuser, according to claim 5, wherein the second rim member is comprised of: an annular member extending over and beyond said first rim member, the outer periphery of said annular member projecting downwardly 90* to form a blocking surface for the outer periphery of the first rim member, and an outer ring located beneath the first rim member and openings of the first and second sleeves, said outer ring extending beyond the outer periphery of said annular member, whereupon said outer ring tapers upwardly aNd overlaps said outer periphery of the annular member for securing the outer ring thereto.
 8. A diffuser, according to claim 7, wherein the fourth member is comprised of: an annular member extending over and beyond said third rim member, the outer periphery of said annular member projecting downwardly 90* to form a blocking surface for the outer periphery of the third rim member, and an outer ring located beneath the third rim member and opening of the third sleeve, said outer ring extending beyond the outer periphery of said annular member, whereupon said outer ring tapers upwardly and overlaps said outer periphery of the annular member for securing the outer ring thereto. 